Keeping textbooks for reference?

[cnsrn1]

So I graduated in May and recently passed my NCLEX and am starting my RN job next month. I am also moving to another state and am in the process of downsizing everything I own. That being said, part of me wants to hold onto my two medsurg textbooks. I keep thinking I might need to reference it if I'm unsure of something at work and as a reference with continuing education. Granted, nursing information is always changing and research is always being added, so is that even worth it? I'm starting in a graduate nurse program, so I know there will be resources...

Basically, my question is to all of you working nurses, did you keep your textbooks and ever reference them when you started working?

[quazar]

I keep my mom's 1970's medical dictionary from HER nursing school days for exactly that reason. We found it in the basement, had a good chuckle over it, and now it lives on my living room bookshelf because aesthetic. I originally kept all of my nursing textbooks, but they were lost in a move...now that I'm going back for my MSN, I've decided to keep the textbooks that I actually USE frequently, at least until I'm done with the program...the ones I rarely touch or ONLY use for class assignments, I'm selling after the term is over.

I've looked at some old OB textbooks, and omg SCARY. Of course, those were from the 1930's, so yeah.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

If you can get cash for them, sell them.

If you have room for them, keep them... until you realize that they have no real value beyond school.

The only book that was worth reading afterwards was my critical care book and I later found an electronic download that was much more succinct. And if you're into that sort of thing, you'd be stunned at what's available if you search for it.

Nursing texts are far too wordy to serve as decent references.

[Julius Seizure]

Sell them. I have never once referenced an old textbook. The only ones that I would consider keeping is my nursing research/EBP book in case I decide to go for my DNP. But its probably still silly to do - they are going to require new and different textbooks for you to buy anyway.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I kept mine, but wish I ditched them years ago. Now they are just expensive dust collectors

[EllaBella1, BSN]

Get rid of them. I kept my ATI review books that I used to study for NCLEX for the same reason, and just listed them on ebay this week finally for $5 just to get rid of em. Haven't opened them once since I graduated. If you really want a reference text I would purchase one of those quick reference guide type books. No sense in keeping a giant textbook.

[cnsrn1]

I am curious if you have online access to the books or not? If yes, sell them before a new edition comes out. In any case, all nursing books become obsolete in 5 years and you will be referring to wrong information if you are still using.Some basics, however don't change and they can be referred to online.

You are brilliant. I rarely used the online versions during school so I didn't even think of this. I do have access and I am in the process of downloading the Etext now and will try to sell the actual books. Thanks for the great idea!

[Kitiger, RN]

I keep my mom's 1970's medical dictionary from HER nursing school days for exactly that reason. We found it in the basement, had a good chuckle over it, and now it lives on my living room bookshelf because aesthetic. I originally kept all of my nursing textbooks, but they were lost in a move...now that I'm going back for my MSN, I've decided to keep the textbooks that I actually USE frequently, at least until I'm done with the program...the ones I rarely touch or ONLY use for class assignments, I'm selling after the term is over.

I kept my test books from first year, my first Merck Manual, and I have my Mom's old Merck Manual (circa 1945), and my Grandma's Library of Health; Complete Guide to Prevention and Cure of Disease. This book, weighing 8,8 pounds, was written in 1917, and revised in 1921.

I keep them for fun reading and for an understanding of how medical knowledge has changed through the years.

Nowadays, for reference, I would go to online textbooks and reputable online sources.

[RNGummy40]

For the first 2-3 years after you graduate your textbooks can help you during your transition into nursing practice. Sometimes it is hard to find things on google and your textbooks are an easy source to explain your practice. Yes, after three years you will have to possibly get new books, and even A&P can change depending on the discoveries made. If you really need the money then sell, but if you want to have the information then keep. Good luck.

[kaylee.]

The idea of keeping references is great and something I do, and originally I wanted to keep all my nursing books. But over time i found I would go to the internet more often, because those darn books were so heavy and dense. So I actually have bought a number of good texts on kindle. Specifically my pathophysiology book. For some reason I still have the big paper one but its too heavy. But having electronic resources is a good investment in my opinion, but the physical texts did not make it over the years for me.

[caliotter3]

Several of mine have been given a second life supporting my mattress set until I can buy a real bed support.

[Beldar_the_Cenobite, CNA]

The idea of keeping references is great and something I do, and originally I wanted to keep all my nursing books. But over time i found I would go to the internet more often, because those darn books were so heavy and dense. So I actually have bought a number of good texts on kindle. Specifically my pathophysiology book. For some reason I still have the big paper one but its too heavy. But having electronic resources is a good investment in my opinion, but the physical texts did not make it over the years for me.

I wish when students take Anatomy and Physiology for the first time that it would be an app for Ipad or something that also had Patho unless patho isn't very hard if you know micro, A&P I/II well, but most apps don't have Patho. Also, something that focuses on medications and potency like I guess pharm, it would be nice if there were apps for those that showed how to do them easily and kept up to date, really well, on the lastest meds that phase in and out.

While some books I guess nursing students would have like "the scope of practice between a nurse and a CNA" is something I don't think would be on an app since it would be something that doesn't seem to change.

[DoGoodThenGo]

There you are then.....

Back in the days before computers and or other devices were so common place yes, a case could be made for keeping textbooks for reference or whatever purposes. Indeed many nurses stations or lounges routinely had copies of at least a PDR, a medical dictionary and some other texts, that has pretty much all gone by the way side.

Thanks to our friend Mr. Internet you can find up to date, accurate information with a few keystrokes or whatever. Given how young people today especially college students seemingly are already pre-programmed to the default (online) you can see how textbooks hold little value or allure.